Pat Starnes

Yesterday was a beautiful, crisp fall day in the Jackson Metro area, a perfect day for visiting the historic Fondren district.

We loaded up the "little girls" and took them to the downtown area so they could play and the "big girls" could shop.

St. Luke's Fundraiser was for the benefit of both St. Luke's Church and the Methodist Children Home.

There is a lot to see and do in the Fondren area. Good food, including Walker's Drive Inn, Rooster's Restaurant, Basil's, quaint shops, multiple area churches, and a community grocery store to name a few. Take some time and take a leisurely stroll through the area and enjoy some good local cuisine. We did!

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Picture this: It's Saturday, October 18, 2008. The weather should be crisp and mild, with no rain in sight. What can we do? How should we spend the day? How about taking a stroll at A Day On Duling in the historic Fondren District?

The community event will benefit both St. Luke's UMC and the Methodist Children's Home. Duling Avenue runs east-west between Old Canton Road and Highway 51.

There will be a shrimp boil, hamburgers and hot dogs for sale, a flea market, kid's events and live music. Bring the family and enjoy A Day on Duling Avenue.

Written and Published By Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

The Kroger Company opened their new 64000 square foot supermarket at 1070 Spillway Circle in Brandon's Reservoir area a week ago. The long-awaited opening was extremely well received by hundreds of local residents.

My two visits to the store thus far were positive shopping experiences. Kroger has an impressive selection in their produce department, the organic section is awesome, and their fresh seafood section; yum!

There is a sushi bar, prepared fresh daily, a soup and salad bar, and an olive bar. (I highly recommend the sushi.)

The store opened at the corner of Spillway Road and Northshore Parkway in northwest Rankin County. Although there is another Kroger a few miles down the road at Dogwood Promenade, the addition of this store is a welcome relief to those of us who live and have patiently waited to shop at the reservoir.

The flavor of the store is down-home friendly. Visiting the store, you'll find neighbors catching up on local news and raving about the selections available. The cashiers, baggers and managers ALL have smiles on their faces, are willing to help, and are well trained.

Did you know you can purchase gift cards at Kroger? Well, you can! Need a gift in a hurry but no time to shop? Visit your neighborhood Kroger and select from franchised retailers, restaurants, buy a greeting card or a bouquet of flowers and you're set! Kroger has an in-store pharmacy, and will have a service center (gasoline) within the next six months.

The Kroger Company is a publicly traded corporation. Visit their website, Kroger, to learn more.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Assoc., LLC

Have you filed your 2007 tax return? Well, call me the procrastinator. I beat the October 15 deadline for filing my Federal tax return by a full seven days. Woo hoo! As I left the accountant's office, I assured her that THIS year will be different. Unfortunately, she knows me well enough by now that she is taking a "I'll believe it when I see it" attitude.

This blog is to remind everyone about the economic stimulus package which passed earlier this year. In order to receive a check, your tax return must be filed by October 15. An news article appeared in this weekend's business section reminding those who don't normally file a return (eligible seniors and veterans) that they MUST FILE to receive the stimulus check. A taxpayer must have earned at least $3,000 in 2007, and social security benefits can be applied to the threshold. Those who file a tax extension should also be reminded about the deadline.

According to the IRS, over 6,000 recipients in the Jackson Metro area have not submitted their tax return, and will forfeit the money if a return is not filed by the October 15 deadline. On the national level, the number of taxpayers not filing is staggering.

Take a moment to insure those who routinely file tax extensions, or an elderly parent, is aware of this deadline and takes immediate action to file a 2007 return.

Written and published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Associates, LLC

The City of Flowood, MS is offering it's alternative to Halloween on Thursday, October 30 at Winner's Circle Park. The park is adjacent to Flynt Memorial Library on Old Fannin Road.

The city is encouraging residents to move their Halloween festivities (Trick or Treating) to Thursday night instead of the traditional date to avoid conflict with area football games.

Area churches, schools, and business are invited to participate. This annual event, sponsored by the City, is FREE and always a hit with the kids. Bring your children between 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Written and Published by Pat Starnes, McIntosh and Associates